The J1 visa program

All you need to know about the new changes to the J1 visa program

Recent changes to the J1 Summer Work and Travel program means students need to have an offer of employment before they can be issued a visa. This pre-placement policy means that you need to get organised and be prepared early if you’re planning on working in the States for the summer.

US resumes are slightly different to Irish CVs and only need to be one page. So make sure you’ve got yours updated and ready to send to American employers with plenty of notice.

How do I qualify for the J1?

Age

18 years of age at the time of application

18 years of age by 15th May 2018 (with parental permission in form of co-signature on application form)

Nationality

Any nationality studying in Ireland

Irish, Northern Ireland Nationals studying in Great Britain

Irish Nationals on Erasmus/Socrates abroad

Legal permanent resident of Northern Ireland studying in Great Britain

Student status

You need to be taking part in a full-time academic day course in a recognized Irish University or College (running at least 2 years full time) that will ultimately lead to a degree or higher qualification

Returning to either a full-time job (if you are in the final year of your degree or higher course) or (if in a 2/3 year Cert or Diploma course) returning to full-time education in autumn 2018 for at least one more year of full-time study on your current course in order to ultimately gain a degree or higher qualification

Final year students can apply. You just need to be able to show your intention to return to Ireland at the end of your programme

Application process

You can apply for the J1 without a job but your J1 Work Papers will not be issued until you have a job that has been vetted and approved by the US Sponsor.

Your designated sponsor will enroll you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and your SEVIS number will be on your DS-2019 form. You will need your SEVIS number when you complete your visa application.